Next Act Theatre presents David Mamet's RACE

David Mamet pulls no punches as he cross-examines our views and prejudices in Next Act Theatreâ€™s production of RACE, onstage January 30 â€“ February 23, 2014 at Next Actâ€™s home, 255 S. Water St., in Walkerâ€™s Point. A wealthy white man is accused of assaulting a young black woman. He denies the charge, claiming it was consensual. Two law partners â€“ one white, one black â€“ are considering the case, but theyâ€™re doubtful of the manâ€™s veracity, and highly concerned about racial politics. The twists and turns of the case combined with the â€śmost incendiary issue in our historyâ€ť (as Mamet states) pushes the law firm to their limit. â€śFor all its directness, RACE does not address specific societal, cultural, political or economic conditions that contribute to Americaâ€™s racial divisions. Mamet seems to suggestâ€¦ the problems will persist until we have frank conversations and personally grapple with our own stereotypes, prejudices, fears, anger, guilt or shame,â€ť says Producing Artistic Director David Cecsarini.Opening night is Friday, January 31. Tickets range from $25 - $35 and may be purchased by calling 414-278-0765 or visiting www.nextact.org.

A Pay-What-You-Can performance will take place on Monday, February 17, at 7:30 pm. These tickets, limited to two per person, are available only in person at the theatre beginning at 6:30 pm that evening.

Personal Previews, a multi-faceted discussion about the current production, with topics ranging from script of play, to the author, the production design, actors or historical background, will be held 45 minutes prior to curtain at select performances. Personal Previews are hosted by Next Actâ€™s Producing Artistic Director David Cecsarini. For dates and times, see the attached Fact Sheet Calendar.

Lobby Art Display â€“ Joe Bree is a Bay View-based artist who paints with acrylic, oil and spray paint using various techniques and tools to give his work texture and color variety. Breeâ€™s TRACE series, as well as other paintings can be seen in the Next Act lobby throughout this production.